Page 63 of Charm (Billionaire Buck Boys #7)

CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE

Greer

I adjust the collar of my blouse before I step into Palla on Fifth. The café is one of the nicest in the city. I don’t stop here often because it’s out of my way and the price of a coffee is almost double what I pay near my store.

It’s worth every last drop, though. I don’t know how they prepare it or where they source their beans, but it’s a true treat.

I spot the man I’m meeting as soon as I’m inside. His arm leaps into the air to wave me over.

Rocco Jones reached out to me yesterday after his wife stopped into Sweet Indulgence to pick up some candy for their son.

Dexie Jones made an off-handed comment about how her husband should have invested in a candy store because she loves sweet treats so much.

I took a shot and told her that I was actually looking for a new partner.

Twenty minutes later, Dexie left Sweet Indulgence with a bag of candy and a smile on her face. She called her husband while she was with me to tell him about my business. When she switched the call to speakerphone, I was greeted with the voice of what I could tell was a kind man.

It turns out, Rocco is an angel investor who has made it his personal business to pair with companies that are looking for someone with the financial means to take them to the next level.

He’s a tall man with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He’s dressed casually in jeans and a black button-down shirt. I admit I’m surprised given that he’s worth billions.

“Greer?” He extends a hand to me as soon as I’m close enough.

I take his hand in mine and shake it firmly. “Greer Irwin. It’s so nice to meet you, Mr. Jones.”

“That’s my dad’s name.” He lets out a deep chuckle as he pulls on the back of a vacant chair across the table from where he was seated. “Why don’t we sit?”

My gaze drifts to the barista counter. I’m nervous, and one of the only ways I know to calm down is to fill myself with caffeine.

Just as I’m taking a seat, a woman with an apron tied around her waist comes over. “Hi, Rocco.”

He goes in for a hug. “Palla, how’s everyone?”

That launches them into a conversation about kids, spouses, and a family lunch that’s set for this coming Sunday.

When that ends, Palla looks toward me. “Hi, I’m so sorry. Rocco and I haven’t caught up in a bit. I’m Palla.”

“It’s good to meet you. I’m Greer.”

“What can I get for you?”

I tell her I’ll take a coffee with a shot of caramel syrup. She promises it’ll be ready in no time flat before she makes her way back to the barista counter.

“Palla is married to my cousin,” Rocco says. “We don’t see each other nearly as often as I’d like.”

I nod. “This is such a special place.”

“When we launched, I knew it was a gem.” He smiles. “I told Palla and my cousin, Arlo, we’d do great things here. We have.”

“You’re an investor?” I ask, surprised by that.

“I am.” He nods briskly. “Palla and Arlo are good people. They had a vision that they shared with me, and I jumped in to help.”

He’s exactly what I’m looking for in my business.

“I sampled all of the candy my wife brought home with her.” He shoves a hand through his hair. “It was all very good, Greer. I’m impressed with the products.”

That’s a big step in the right direction toward a partnership.

“If you’re open to it, I’d like to take a look at your financials and set up a time to speak with you and your partner together.”

“Of course.” I nod since it is Krista’s shares that he’ll be buying, and that negotiation is between the two of them.

I know she’ll be excited that I found someone genuinely interested in a potential deal.

“This could be good for both of us.” He smiles. “I understand you have a daughter. I have a son.”

I already know that, since Dexie showed me at least a dozen pictures of their son, Bryant, on her phone. I did share a few of Olive with her because it was impossible not to.

“Your daughter must love that you own a candy business.” He smiles at the barista who drops off my coffee at the table.

“Thank you,” I say to her before I direct my attention back to him. “Olive loves it. She’s seven, so her dream at the moment is to run the business one day.”

“Maybe our kids will end up as partners on that.” He laughs. “You never know where life will take you.”

I know where it’s taking me later today. I get to see the man I’m falling in love with. I can’t wait to tell him that I may have finally found a business partner.